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February 4, 2007
Hour One: Today's Frequently Asked Knitting Questions
Q: When and where will your new yarns be available?
A: The Vickie Howell Collection is currently being shipped to yarn stores all over the nation. If yours doesn't carry it, please ask them to. Also, all three colors of all three yarns are available online at Webs (www.yarn.com).
Q: When did you learn how to knit?
A: My mom tried to teach me when I was 8, but I hated it. I like to blame it on the icky acrylic yarn and aluminum needles that were popular in the 80, but I was really probably just a persnickety child. In my 20s, I re-learned to knit at a yarn store in Studio City, California.
Q: How do I become a knitster?
A: All you have to do is log onto the DIY website (www.diynetwork.com/diy/be_on_diy/) and click on the "be on the show" link. You'll find all the information you need there.
Q: How did you get the Knitty Gritty gig?
A: I started Stitch & Bitch groups in LA and Austin, which I created logos for. One of the tag lines was "Where Hip Knitters Go to Knit". One day, one of the producers from the show googled "hip knitters" and came up with my logo. They contacted me and the rest is history.
Q: Where can I get the Knitting Rocks shirt you wore on the show?
A: That shirt was hand painted for me by Hope Perkins. Check out her website - www.hotpinkpistol.com.
Posted by vhowell at February 4, 2007 5:45 PM
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Comments
I'm disappointed! The super bowl knit in was advertised on your show which airs on HGTV @ 11:00 on weekdays. But-it is not available today.
Still knitting though.
Posted by: Michelle at February 4, 2007 6:09 PM
Vickie,
First off, my seven year old son just turned off his computer game, grabbed his current knitting project and ran to the TV saying "I'm gonna watch the Knitty Gritty marathon." I'm still sitting here with my mouth agape.
My question is about two specific clothing items you wore on two separate shows. I loved the little cropped sweater you wore on the teen knitting show and the adorable cardigan you wore on the family afghan show with your mom. Where might I find the patterns for those pieces? I hate to be such a blatant copycat, but you have great style!
Thanks, Shannon
Posted by: Shannon Longfield at February 4, 2007 6:10 PM
Vickie,
You and Knitting saved my sanity. A year ago I became homebound due to MS and going crazy. I turned on DIY, found your show and now I am an advanced Knitter--All because of you! Please, when will there be new shows? I think I've seen most of them at least three times!
Posted by: Julie B. Martin at February 4, 2007 6:10 PM
Someone asked about where to send squares - and also for some tips about how to knit certain stitches.
There's all kinds of info on the Knitty Gritty page - just go there and look around - you'll see videos you can watch and learn from...and the address to send the squares is on the pattern page here on diynetwork.com - but since you are knitting AND blogging (LOL) I'll put it here.
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/crafts/article/0,2025,DIY_13786_5265113,00.html
Shipping Address (for knit and crochet squares):
Warm Up America! Foundation
Department DIY Network
2500 Lowell Rd.
Ranlo, NC 28054
This is a year long initiative for DIY Network - so you can send in squares at your leisure. Warm Up America says it takes 49 squares to make a quilt, so KNIT ON!
Posted by: karen at February 4, 2007 6:13 PM
What future projects do you want to have on Knitty Gritty that are unusual and creative?
Posted by: Stephanie Karshner at February 4, 2007 6:14 PM
We're ready to rumble!!! GO BEARS!
Posted by: andi at February 4, 2007 6:23 PM
Vickie! I wish I could watch the Knit-in (No DIY on cable) but I have to say I'm loving watching it on HGTV :-)
Knit on from North Dakota!
Pattie
Posted by: Pattie at February 4, 2007 6:23 PM
How did you get so lucky to get your own yarn line with SWTC? I am soo excited to play with some of your yarns!!
Posted by: Denise at February 4, 2007 6:23 PM
Hi Vickie.
im very excited about knitting the squares for warm up america! i just recently taught one of my best friends how to knit and thats all we ever do now. I love to knit and watch your show everyday of the week. Is there any possible way to get your show on more on HGTV because we dont have diy. well i love your show. me and my friends think you should have a special on knitting beginner totes.
love yah! keep knitting those squares!
marissa!
Posted by: Marissa B. at February 4, 2007 6:27 PM
So where is this logo? I don't think I have ever seen it or maybe I have and don't realize it. So do you also draw?
Posted by: Catherine at February 4, 2007 6:28 PM
I've never knitted before. I have crocheted and am new to that but would like to know what the best way would be to learn to knit.
Knitter hopeful,
angela
Posted by: Angela at February 4, 2007 6:31 PM
Just so you don't have to turn away from your knitting & crocheting - the Super Bowl score is Bears 7, Colts 0. (The Bears ran the opening kickoff back for a touchdown.)
I'll give you Super Bowl updates so you don't have to click away from KNITTY GRITTY!
KNIT ON!
Posted by: Karen at February 4, 2007 6:32 PM
Hi Vicki,
I have watched Knitty Gritty since the first day it came on. I drive truck so I cannot see it everyday, but when I cannot see it I can log on the internet and find out what was on the day I missed it. I am recording the Knit-In right now. I need to know where to get my kit for the blocks we are to make. I have cut my cardboard like the instructions said and have started to make them.
How many are we to make and does it matter what colors they are?
Thanks Yvonne
pps
KEEP UP ALL THE GOOD WORK. I really love your show.
Posted by: Yvonne Youell at February 4, 2007 6:36 PM
Michelle-- The Knit In is on right now on DIY but not on HGTV. Hope that helps!
Shannon--I'm so jealous! My 7 year old would much rather use knitting needles to sword fight with, than knit with. The teen shrug was designed by Stephanie Japel. Check out her designs at www.glampyreknits.com. The other shrug was store bought (not sure where from) so I don't have a pattern for it.
Julie-- I'm so glad knitting's helping you. I really appreciate you saying such nice things! New shows are currently airing on HGTV at 11am weekdays. :-)
Denise-- I just called SWTC and pitched myself. I really love their philosophy and wanted to work with them. Fortunately, they also dug the show so it all worked out!
Posted by: Anonymous at February 4, 2007 6:37 PM
Michelle-- The Knit In is on right now on DIY but not on HGTV. Hope that helps!
Shannon--I'm so jealous! My 7 year old would much rather use knitting needles to sword fight with, than knit with. The teen shrug was designed by Stephanie Japel. Check out her designs at www.glampyreknits.com. The other shrug was store bought (not sure where from) so I don't have a pattern for it.
Julie-- I'm so glad knitting's helping you. I really appreciate you saying such nice things! New shows are currently airing on HGTV at 11am weekdays. :-)
Denise-- I just called SWTC and pitched myself. I really love their philosophy and wanted to work with them. Fortunately, they also dug the show so it all worked out!
Posted by: Vickie Howell at February 4, 2007 6:38 PM
Hi all,
Angela - I've learned to knit this past year from several different sources: Knitty Gritty (of course); the book Stich 'n Bitch; and an awesome website with a CD you can order, knittinghelp.com Oh yes, and a couple of friends occasionally help me out. I learned when I was a kid, but it's much more fun as a grown up!
I especially like the relaxed approach that you - Vicky - bring to it: "it's just knitting; it's all good." Very liberating!
Have a fabulous evening everyone!
Susan
Posted by: Susan at February 4, 2007 6:46 PM
Hi Everyone!
It took me awhile to realize that The Knit In is on the DIY Website. I am just starting to knit a square. Can someone tell me what the measurements are?
Thanks,
Sue
Posted by: Susan at February 4, 2007 7:02 PM
how do I get to the next page?
Posted by: Ginger at February 4, 2007 7:15 PM
Your show has been a lifesaver. My husband is baffled by my obsession with it though. I love learning and have begun teaching the things I have learned to my friends. There must be a clinical name for this kind of therapy! Keep adding to the shows because I too have seen them all. I've printed a notebook of all the instructions too!
Posted by: jenny at February 4, 2007 7:20 PM
Hey,
Vicki I didn't realize you were in seattle, I live pretty close and would love to go to a book signing. Are you going to be around for a while or are you on your way out?
I have to say I love your show!! I am in my 20's and you showed me how knitting can be funky and original. I use it as one of my creative outlets and it's so portable I can do it anywhere and I do. Also do you know what stores in the seattle area are going to carry your yarn?
Posted by: CHRISTIE at February 4, 2007 7:22 PM
Susan- Thanks!
Christie- I had a signing yesterday at Pacific Craft & Yarn. They have the full line of yarn there. :-) I'm going home early tomorrow morning.
Ginger-- If you go to Main, it should show all posts. Is that what you're asking?
Posted by: Anonymous at February 4, 2007 7:30 PM
love Lily Chen! so many excellent ideas and tips from her my husband kept saying did you see that? he said I should buy a book of hers - did she write one?
Posted by: lisa at February 4, 2007 9:01 PM